The Great Adventures of Izzy--An Olympic Hero for Kids
The special, Izzy's Quest For Olympic Gold, aired on Atlanta-based
Turner Network Television (TNT) on August 12, 1995 as a two-part show, and
has also been distributed internationally. It begins with Izzy, a mischievous
teenager who lives in a whimsical world inside the Olympic Torch. In this
land, the people--called Whatizits--are charged with the responsibility
of keeping the spirit of the Olympic Games, and the Torch, shining bright.
Never one to just go with the flow (that's why I like him), Izzy causes
an uproar when he wants to leave the Torch to be a part of the Olympic Games
he had heard so much about. Izzy must prove himself worthy and learn important
lessons about the purpose and history of the games by earning the five Olympic
Rings--Perseverance, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Excellence and Brotherhood.
(This meaning comes from a story session at Film Roman. In fact, the rings
stand for the colors of the five continents participating in the Olympics.)
The idea of Izzy and his Torch World did come about from the many stories
submitted by from children around the United States. Scriptwriter, Sindy
McCay worked closely with Holly Rawlinson at ACOP to create a "back
life" for Izzy, adding his family, friends and Tribunal Elders giving
reality to the Torch World. Both Film Roman and ACOP wanted the special
to be educational, yet entertaining for children. Carol Corwin explained;
"While we were brainstorming, we decided to cut out some of Izzy's
speeches because it got too boring. It was a tough balance between teaching
about the Olympics and keeping it fun and exciting."
Izzy's Quest For Olympic Gold conveys to children the message that
the Olympics are not some boring event that their parents watch on TV and
effectively promotes the values of perseverance, determination, and integrity.
While not filled with the cutting edge sensibilities of some of the films
that embellished the 1984 Olympiad of Animation, the show is nevertheless
an honest, if modest effort that hopefully will inspire future Olympics-related
animated efforts.
Frankie Kowalski is Associate Editor of Animation World Magazine
and is currently on ASIFA-Hollywood's Board of Directors.
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